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The world was first introduced to Ruben Studdard, 35, more than a decade ago when he was crowned the winner of the second season of American Idol. Since then, the R&B singer has released five albums, toured the globe, and even appeared on the latest season of The Biggest Loser.

Studdard, who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, is now going back to his roots with a new album full of soulful and powerful love songs. Unconditional Love (out Feb. 4) is the singer’s most romantic album yet, and features a mix of standards and original tunes.

The singer talked to Parade about his romantic side, the current season of American Idol, and more.

Do you have a favorite song on Unconditional Love? “My favorite song on the album changes every day. Today, it’s ‘If This World Were Mine’ with Lalah Hathaway. And I really love the title track, ‘Unconditional.’”

How did making this album compare to albums in the past?“It was different because I was working with David Foster. Just getting the opportunity to be in the room with him was a blessing. I’ve been touring with him over the past four years, so we’ve kind of talked through a lot of these songs over the years. We picked a lot of our favorite songs and songs that really haven’t been covered a whole lot and tried to go in and make something special. ‘The Nearness of You’ is probably one of my favorite standards. I’ve heard Frank Sinatra do it and Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, but I’ve never heard a contemporary artist perform this song, so I covered it. We tried to put a little Marvin Gaye twist on it and it worked. All the songs have that same quality, songs that haven’t been covered much but are profound and powerful in the way that they invoke the feeling of love within people.”

Are you a romantic guy?“I’m known to be slightly romantical! Everybody likes to be loved. If I’m dating somebody, I’m very romantic.”

What do you sing when you’re in the shower or car?“I’ve been singing a lot of my own songs recently because I know I’m going to have to perform them, but I listen to a lot of jazz and my favorite singer right now is this guy named Gregory Porter. He has this new album out called Liquid Spirit that I just love.”

How have you evolved as a performer since American Idol?“I’m more confident in the person that I am and I’m more secure in the person that I’ve become. I really lived a lot of the music that I sing. You can’t really put as much emotion into a song if you haven’t gone through those situations, so the person people heard when I was on American Idol has grown up and had a lot of life experiences, which I channel into my songs.”

Do you still watch Idol?“I watch as much as I can. I’m on the road a lot and working very hard to stay relevant and do what I do, but I do TiVo the show, so I get the opportunity to watch it when I come home. I actually recently did a duet on the Soul Train Awards with last year’s winner, Candice Glover. She is an amazing singer.”

What do you think of Harry Connick, Jr. as a new judge?“I’m actually really a huge fan of Harry Connick, Jr. and I was really excited when they announced he would be a judge. The level of music he performs is outstanding, so to have him there to critique the kids is great. You want people there that are at the top of their craft and they have three judges there this year that are most definitely at the top. J.Lo in the way she performs, Keith Urban moves a crowd like no other, and Harry Connick, Jr. is really technical and it’s great for the kids to have that like we had Randy Jackson.”

What has been one of your favorite career moments?“Of course winning American Idol. There are so many, I think being on the cover of Rolling Stone was a defining moment for me.”

Is it true you’re also working on a Christmas album?“It is true! I’m going to have that ready for the end of the year. My favorite Christmas song is this song that Luther Vandross recorded in the late ‘70s called ‘At Christmas Time.’ I love that song. It most definitely will make the album.”

How is life after The Biggest Loser?“It has been amazing. I am most definitely working hard every day, trying to make sure that I keep the results I earned on the show. I learned a lot about myself and it has worked for me so far, so hopefully I will keep using all the things I learned while I was on the show. I’m excited I got the opportunity to do it.”

What do you think of your nickname, The Velvet Teddy Bear?“I love it! It was given to me by somebody I respect tremendously — Miss Gladys Knight — and it is something that stuck with me. It means more than just size, it’s about the texture of the sound of my voice, so I’m glad to be called The Velvet Teddy Bear.”